Working to Preserve, Promote and Advance Muskie and Pike Education and

Research in Minnesota.
January, 2016

Ninety-Second Edition

From Aaron Meyer, MMPA Co-chair

We only have a couple more days to provide input on the proposals to stock several new muskie waters. Input
is being taken through Sunday January 3rd. If you haven't already done so, get your input in NOW! There's no
more time to put it off. The amount of effort we put into this input process is what will determine whether or
not we get these new muskie fisheries!
There are two ways to provide input. Please use both methods:
First, go to the DNR's website at www.dnr.state.me.us Type "muskie input" into the search bar.
The top link that pops up will take you to the page to provide input on these proposals.
Be aware that input is being taken separately for each of the 6 proposed lakes. So you need to click on the
"comment" box for each one of them separately. It will ask you a couple questions about your feelings on the
proposed lake.

PLEASE EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR ALL 6 PROPOSALS! Don't forget to comment on all six.
When you comment on Lake Lizzie, I suggest you state that of the 3 proposed lakes in Ottertail County you
support Lizzie the most. Lizzie would produce the best opportunities of the three.
After that, please send emails of support to each of the four DNR Fisheries offices involved in this process.
Again, the input is being taken separately for each of the proposals, so contact all four of the following offices:

Big Marine Lake: TJ Debates

metroeast.fisheries@state.mn.us
Fairmont Chain: Ryan Doorenbos
windom.fisheries@state.mn.us
Gull Lake: Marc Bacigalupi
brainerd.fisheries@state.mn.us
Ottertail County lakes- Franklin, Lizzie, and Loon: Jim Wolters
fergusfalls.fisheries@state.mn.us

Thanks,
Aaron

Fishing for Life and Muskies Inc. Partners for

2nd annual Armed Forces Fishing Day
On Nov 11th Fishing for Life and Muskie Inc. partnered for the 2nd annual Muskie Mayhem event
organized on Lake Minnetonka. The objective of this event was to give an opportunity for wounded
warriors unable to throw large muskie lures a chance at world class muskies by using late season
techniques such as trolling and fishing with large sucker minnows. Twenty-two vets participated. The
day started with a great breakfast buffet at the Country Cupboard. Soldiers were then given a sack
lunch and paired off with MI guides. The warriors had a wonderful day on the lake with 20 muskies
identified, and at least three hook sets. No muskies were landed, but the warriors were thrilled to see
that many fish and to hook a few of them.
Muskies Inc. and Fishing for Life have enjoyed a very good working partnership in organizing kids
and soldiers in muskie related events. That partnership includes:

Armed forces family fishing day serving over 120 vets and families on Lake Minnetonka

Kids Cove at the Muskies Expo and the mobile trout pond

Reel em in Kids program through which FFL collects, rebuilds and distributes muskie gear
earmarked for the High School Muskie League.

Sport shows where we conduct a scavenger hunt for kids which helps promote both muskie
tournaments and our combined programming

For questions or info, please contact tom@fishingforlife.org 612 987 5466

Bad Spellers of the World...UNTIE !!

Tom Goodrich Goodykstp@aol.com
Exec. Director, Fishing for Life
612-987-5466
fishingforlife.org

Next MMPA meeting is Saturday January 23rd

Scheduled meeting dates are, February 13th, March 19th and April 9th at the Expo.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Hugh C. Becker 2016 Foundation Awards
Initial Requisition Criteria for disbursing funds, subject to future
amendments.
All requests are to be received between 1 November 2015 and BY 31
January 2016. Address (do not e-mail) all requests to Hugh C. Becker
Committee of Twin Cities Chapter of Muskies, Inc., c/o George Selcke,
13004 Shady Dale Road, Minnetonka, MN 55343-4904.
Format: Requests are not to be more than five (5) legibly typed pages, ORIGINAL and FIVE
(5) copies, to include all the following criteria:
1) Name and address of the group, and a history of the groups accomplished projects to
date, if applicable.
2) Demonstrate need- how will this project benefit the Muskellunge program(s) in area,
region, or range (Canada included)
3) What is the project and what is purpose of project?
4) Where is this project taking place?
5) What is the duration of this project/start and finish dates?
6) What are the cost breakouts? Itemize equipment and labor, and provide quotes.
7) Who will be involved: the project team, project manager/coordinator, and applicable
means of contact (phone numbers)
8) Submit milestones dates for progress reports and accountability.
9) Can the requesting group match funds from another source? Please list.

Other Considerations:
-Cap on any individual grant/fund will be $10,000; incrementally within year or over the course
of years, unless the Grant Committee decides otherwise on any specific proposal
-Credit to the Hugh C. Becker Trust Foundation will be incurred in funding
-The Hugh C. Becker has priority rights to all press releases and publications
-If this project fails to reach its purpose, through false reporting, deceit, and/or other
unprofessional acts, the requesting group may be responsible for restitution (committee
determination)
-NOTE: No indirect costs (overhead) will be awarded on research proposals

Addendum:

Like projects/activities that may qualify per the wishes and conditions of Hugh C. Becker
include, but are not limited to:
Muskie propagation by the Twin Cities Chapter #1, in their own ponds (?) with their own
equipment
Stocking, by either raising Muskie fingerlings or purchasing fingerlings/ yearlings/adults
for public use in designated waters
Habitat protection and improvement
Clean water (quality) protection and improvement
Professional research by qualified personnel (not limited to Minnesota, but must include
accountable data)
Expansion of the present muskellunge range (special consideration for the Missouri river
system in North/South Dakota)
The Twin Cities Chapter #1 Committee will consider projects based on their respective merits
per criteria above, and awards will be published in the Muskie magazine. The principles of
Muskies, Inc., Youth, Research, and Fisheries are guidelines inclusive in qualifying and
evaluating proposals.

**** NOTE: Accountability reports, DNR letters, Research papers, publications, University
acknowledgements, and any other follow-up information for awards given in a particular year
will be required before any individual or group is given consideration for future grants.

Gil Hamm
The 2015 Chapter Challunge is in the books, with Star of the North Chapter #15 taking home the
'Lunge Bucket for the 5th time in the last 7 years. By winning the event, Star of the North receives the
honor of hosting next year's Challunge. We have decided to take the event back to Canadian
waters. The 2016 Chapter Challunge will be held on August 24th, 25th, and 26th at Red Wing

Lodge on Lake of the Woods. For additional information you can visit the Challunge website at
www.gilhamm.com
Cliff Arola
Star of the North
Chapter President

District Finder - Use the district finder to retrieve a list of your representatives with contact information.
Buy some MMPA Swag today. We send many thanks to those that have supported this effort. 100% of
the profits go to fighting for your fish.

http://www.cafepress.com/mnmuskie
Join Us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnesota-Muskie-Alliance/340864160658
Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance
http://www.mnmuskie.org/

Communications
Please look over the contact information in the back of the newsletter to make sure the information is correct.
Send me any new or updated information so the newsletter can get to those who need it.
Our MI chapters and related groups have banded together as the MMPA to improve the fishing in our state.
This is done by working together. Dont be afraid to ask for support on your projects, thats what we are here
for.
My job as communications co-chair is to get the information out. Its up to YOU to share the information and
pass it along to your friends. If you know someone that wants to receive the MMPA newsletter please send me
their e-mail and I will add them to the newsletter list.
Try to get your information to us by the 25th of the month so we have time to include it in the newsletter. Keith
Okeson green@lcp2.net Dan Crooms dcmusky@msn.com

Department of Natural Resources Contacts:

Don Pereira, Central Office, Fisheries Management Chief, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155 651-259-5229
don.pereira@state.mn.us
Neil Vanderbosch, Program Coordinator (St Paul) 651-259-5178 neil.vanderbosch@state.mn.us
Mike Habrat, DNR, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries Office. 14583 County Rd. 19 Detroit Lakes,
MN 56501 218-846-8343. mike.habrat@state.mn.us
Al Stevens, DNR, Fisheries Lake and Stream Survey Program and Tourney Coordinator (St. Paul) - (651) 259-5239
al.stevens@state.mn.us

MINNESOTA MUSKIE ALLIANCE OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

Co-Chair John Underhill (507) 259-5074, muskiefool@yahoo.com
Co-Chair Aaron Meyer (320)260-0961 aaronmmeyer@hotmail.com
Treasurer Carl Phillips (763)972-8240, cphilli@yahoo.com
Secretary , George Selcke (952)933-2608, selckgeo@gmail.com
DNR/Legislative Committee John Underhill
Committee Members: Shawn Kellett (612) 201-0209, John Underhill (507)259-5074
New Waters/Stocking Committee- Chair Greg Kvale cattail1947@yahoo.com, 218-232-0328
Communications Committee Co-chair Keith Okeson (218) 273-6389 green@lcp2.net
Co-chair Dan Crooms (507)744-4265 dcmusky@msn.com
DNR REGION REPRESENTATIVES:
NE DNR Region: Chapters: Brainerd Lakes, Lake Superior and Star of the North
MMPA Reps:

Keith Okeson
Greg Kvale

218-273-6389
328-232-0328

Region Fisheries Manager Tim Goeman, 218-999-7819

NW DNR Region: Chapters: Fargo Moorhead, Bemidji/Cass Lake
MMPA Reps: Mark Stenger

218-342-2743

Brett Waldera

701-298-9032

Region Fisheries Manager Henry Drewes, 218-755-3959

Central DNR Region: St. Cloud MMPA Rep: Bruce Kitowski 320-290-7101EsoxMaster@charter.net ; Ken Schmitt
(320)290-6272 kenorschmitt@gmail.com
Brad Parsons, 651-259-5789
South DNR Region: Southern Crossroads
MMPA Rep: Dan Crooms

507-744-4265

Region Fisheries Manager: Jack Lauer, 507-359-6046

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MINNESOTA MUSKIE INC. CHAPTERS

#01 Twin Cities: Shawn Kellett, (612) 201-0201, George Selcke (952)933-2608, selckgeo@gmail.com
#02 Fargo-Moorhead: PO Box 2021, Fargo, ND 58103; Brian Grote, brianlgrote@gmail.com

#15 Star of the North: 16774 W. Bay Dr., Pengilly, MN 55775; Gary Rutherford (218) 885-1677 garyrutherford@me.com;
Dave Berglund (218)244-1856 bergfish@mchsi.com
#21 North Metro: PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441; Steve Wernersbach (763)242-2625 swernersbach@gmail.com ;
Mike Riha mwriha@aol.com
North Metro chapter website link www.nmmuskies.com
#24 Brainerd Lakes: 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN; (218)821-3669 Jeff Young; Greg Kvale (218)232-0328
cattail1947@yahoo.com and Aaron Heimkes aaronheimkes@yahoo.com
Brainerd web site at: www.Brainerdmuskies.com
#33 Lake Superior: 30879 100th Place Sturgeon Lake MN. 55783; Keith Okeson (218)273-6389 green@lcp2.net; Pat
Okeson;
Lake Superior web site at: www.lakesuperiormuskies.com
#37 St. Cloud: 109 Greenstone Ln. Waite Park, MN. 56387; Bruce Kitowski 320-290-7101EsoxMaster@charter.net ; Ken
Schmitt (320)290-6272 kenorschmitt@gmail.com
Aaron Meyer (320)260-0961 aaronmmeyer@hotmail.com
St. Cloud web site at www.Stcloudmuskies.com
#38 Vikingland: 106 Main Ave. Carlos MN 56319; Chris Willander (612)554-8170, Chris@titan-mfg.com
#46 Bemidji/Cass Lake: PO Box 6, Bemidji, MN 56619; Ethan Rogers (218) 766-6697; muskiestrike@gmail.com
#54 Southern Crossroads: 1931 Greenwood Drive, Owatonna, MN 55061; Dean Peterson 507-345-8701; Dan Crooms
(507)744-4265

Supporters of the MMPA

20th Annual Lake Superior Chapter Sportsman Banquet

Everyone is welcome open to the public

Where
American legion post #71 West Duluth
When
February 6,2016 (5 PM)
Time Social Hour 5 to 6:30
Meal 6:30 to 7:00
Awards & Drawings 7:00
Meal Roast Beef, Turkey, Potatoes, Bun, Salad and Dessert
Adults Meal Tickets $25.00 per person ( if purchase before January 12th) )
Also any adult meal purchased before January 12th will include 1 chance for a 3 day stay at Spring Bay Resort

Juniors Members are free 12 and under, 13 to 17 $12.50

January Early Bird package is $50.00 ( must be purchased by January 12th)
Number of
Attendees
Names
Adults (
)... Number of Early Bird Packages ( )
12 and under.. (
).
13 to 17 .. (
).
January Early Bird Special Available only for Adults
Special Package
1 Adult meal ticket
40 General raffle tickets
1 chance on the $2.00 poker game (note poker is only available for the early Birds Special)
2 chances to win a 3 day stay at Spring Bay resort on Lake Vermilion
Get all this for $50.00 if purchased by January 12th, 2016

3 day stay at Spring Bay Resort on Lake Vermilion before Memorial or after Labor Day.
Dice game is a spelling game with chances to win general raffle tickets Value $5.00.
$2.00 poker will be only for the early birds, high hand will win a handmade lure from Nimmers Swimmers.

Make Checks payable to Lake Superior Chapter of Muskies Inc.

Mail Checks to
Lake Superior Chapter c/o Keith Okeson
30879 100th Place
Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783

Minnesota HS Muskie Tournament 6:30am to 2:30pm Friday, June 24, 2016 Lake Vermilion
at Vermilion Dam Lodge Tournament Headquarters
MI Muskie Symposium March 11-15, 2016 Sheraton West (Near Ridgedale Mall)

Hugh C Becker Muskie Symposium

Please join us on MARCH 13 15, 2016 for the Symposium at the Sheridan Minneapolis
West, located on Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Just select the Register Now button for more information and to register for this exciting event.
Registration Fees from now until 2/16/2016 are as follows:
Normal Rate $195.00
Student Rate $75.00
DNR grp (5-6) $500.00
DNR individual $100.00
Muskies, Inc. Chapters $100.00
After 2/16/2016 fees are: $225.00